Brian Hartline’s departure from Ohio State completely derailed the program’s Early Signing Day. The Buckeyes felt the biggest ripple effect when Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class, chose not to sign. After around two days of dilly-dallying, Henry Jr. has made up his mind, and he’s staying with Ryan Day’s team. While he announced his decision, his mom revealed how the whole ordeal affected Brian Hartline.

“Ultimately, I have been committed to the Buckeyes for a long time,” said Chris Henry Jr. on the Dec. 5 episode of the Pat McAfee Show. “With coach Hartline leaving, it really impacted my recruitment heavily. I really had to take time to step back and really reevaluate everything.

“I will be committing, and staying committed to, The Ohio State University. I just feel like i

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